03.08.08
Horses wading in belly deep snowpack
Gilford and Glendale will do anything for a morsel to eat! Today’s rain and warmer temps have softened our deep dense snow enough that they ventured off their beaten track and figured out how to plough through the deep stuff; it is almost up to their bellies.
Bear in mind, this is NOT soft fluffy new snow, this is several snowfalls accumulated and packed down from its own weight and from melting. They sink nearly belly-deep down into it, to nibble on twigs that have blown off the trees.
This is so funny as they take slow steps, feeling their way, then suddenly sink through an underlying thick ice crust layer to the ground. I’m watching from inside the house (warm and cozy), just hoping no one falls over– it might be tough getting up out of this stuff!
At end of this video, first Gilford then Glendale climb back out of the deep soft stuff up onto their track, which they made and have been using since the early snows and which is packed down solid on top, so they are a whole lot higher up!
Now normally most horses won’t go to this much trouble for a mouthful, and these boys are FAR from underfed; they get plenty of hay, at least twice a day and sometimes three times a day, and we keep track of their condition. But Gilford (the black bay) is a chowhound, and younger brother Glen DOES follow his lead, at least sometimes…
Kristine said,
March 10, 2008 at 9:40 am
What a great video! Every time they sunk, I “oops-ed”!
Seems like a lot of trouble for a little snack!
Horse Gal said,
March 13, 2008 at 11:45 am
Connie,
This was great to watch!! Like Kristine, every time they sunk in to the now, I said “oops” too!!! Where was Momma during this??
connie said,
May 14, 2008 at 7:33 pm
Momma mare was up at the barn laughing! She’s far too experienced to want to do what her boys are doing here!